Vol. 464 No. 8
51 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in replacing one of the psychologists working with the Tipperary School Psychological Service; when a replacement will be appointed; and if she will make a statement in relation to the standard of the psychological service in view of the long waiting list of children to be assessed. [8961/96]
Consideration of the recruitment of psychologists for my Department in 1996 has to take account of the need to limit the numbers in the Civil Service and is subject to the financial limits of my Department's administrative budget. When further expansion of the Department of Education's Psychological Service becomes possible the needs of children and of schools in various areas, including County Tipperary, will be borne in mind. In the meantime this service is available to parents and schools on a limited basis in certain areas.
At present there are two psychologists from my Department serving primary schools in South Tipperary, one of whom works there half-time. In addition there is a Department of Education psychologist available to second level schools in County Tipperary generally. Inevitably, there is some waiting period for pupils referred for psychological assessment. I am advised that all pupils awaiting assessments are seen and that cases regarded as urgent are given priority. I consider that the service available in Tipperary compares favourably with that available in other areas of the country.
